OUR STORY

We opened our doors in the fall of 1996 with the dream of creating a culture and environment where craftsmen, artists and sincere service providers could collaborate on providing specialized hair, makeup and skincare treatments.

All of our services start with a consultation that helps us discover and customize your unique look. Our technical beauty team members continually attend training to stay proficient in their respective crafts.

All the hair, makeup, skincare and lifestyle products that we use and sell come from companies that ethically source the ingredients, do not test on animals and use as much organically grown raw materials as possible. Most are transitioning to, or have already become, completely vegan.

From our welcoming and friendly customer relations team, to the delicious herbal tea and fruit-infused water we offer all arriving clients, our inviting environment creates a comfortable visit for all who enter.

OUR STORY

We opened our doors in the fall of 1996 with the dream of creating a culture and environment where craftsmen, artists and sincere service providers could collaborate on providing specialized hair, makeup and skincare treatments.

All of our services start with a consultation that helps us discover and customize your unique look. Our technical beauty team members continually attend training to stay proficient in their respective crafts.

All the hair, makeup, skincare and lifestyle products that we use and sell come from companies that ethically source the ingredients, do not test on animals and use as much organically grown raw materials as possible. Most are transitioning to, or have already become, completely vegan.

From our welcoming and friendly customer relations team, to the delicious herbal tea and fruit-infused water we offer all arriving clients, our inviting environment creates a comfortable visit for all who enter.

Why I decided to become a stylist:I want to make people feel beautiful by enhancing their natural beauty.

My favorite thing about my work:I love that I get to be creative and meet people while touching their lives in a meaningful way.

What makes me a great stylist:I am a people pleaser! I always want to make my clients happy. I listent to the challenges they are having and try to fix them with my color and cut.

Best professional moment:Having my clients trust me and and having them know the reason I am doing things in a certan way. After that, they let me do whatever I like!

Special training:I’ve taken numerous advanced cut, color and styling classes with Aveda.

Professional goal:To eventually teach for Aveda and travel while doing so.

What I want every client to know about me:I am passionate about what I do. I love every part of this career!!

Other hobbies and talents:Is being a mom a talent? 🙂

What is your specialty?I love balayage. There are so many different ways and looks that can be achieved with hand painting techniques.

Have you ever styled/participated in any Fashion Shows?While attending school at Eric Fisher and then in Wichita I participated in Aveda’s Catwalk for Water two years in a row. My team won for best hair and makeup one year.

What quote or mantra do you strive to live by?“I believe that beauty is being the best possible version of yourself on the inside and out.”

Who is your dream client? Why?Any guest who is fun and would challenge me to do things outside of my box. Creative color!

Who is your favorite person to follow on Twitter? Why?Guy Tang because he is a hair god. He does beautiful work and is not afraid to make mistakes on camera.

Describe the worst hair phase you’ve been through.Before I started hair school, I would color my hair all different colors. I went copper once and it was horrible!!

Who is your professional role model? Whose career would you like yours to emulate?I feel like Eric Fisher’s career is incredible. If I am lucky to have a piece of that and also be a traveling educator that would be amazing.

If you could choose another career, what would it be?I can’t see myself doing anything else but this. It makes me so happy.

Education:Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design from Kansas State

Previous job(s):Server, bartender

Hometown/Places lived:Pratt, KS…lived in Wichita and Manhattan, KS

My favorite thing about my work:I love being part of this amazing team and getting to know and form relationships with our guests as well.

Name a skill you have that you don’t use enough.Drawing and painting.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?Spending an entire day reading a book from start to finish or binge watching a TV series. Once I start, I can’t stop until I know how it ends.

What article of clothing have you owned the longest? What’s its story?My blue hoodie with the Mopar logo on the front. It is my favorite reminder of the bond my dad and I built through our mutual love of classic Dodge muscle cars, fixing them, and traveling to car shows together.

What quote or mantra do you strive to live by?“Our lives are not our own. We are bound to others, past and present, and by each crime and every kindness, we birth our future”. –David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas. And “Time spent with cats is never wasted.” 🙂</p

What’s the best lesson you’ve learned from a stranger?An act of kindness, no matter how small, can completely change a person’s outlook.

Describe the worst hair phase you’ve been through.As a teenager, I decided that I wanted to be platinum blonde and I tried to do it myself. The result of the DIY disaster was more yellow-orange than it was blonde. Yikes!

Why I decided to become a stylist/colorist:I love self-expression through hair, especially color. You can change yourself and the perception of yourself as often as you like. Everyone’s hair is different and beautiful in its own way. I love to help people find the best version of themselves and their hair!

My favorite thing about my work:I love the social aspect of the job so much. The connections you make with people who you may not have met or interacted with otherwise. I also love education and continual learning. I get that with my team at the salon when we have advanced education together, when I’m training the team and new stylists, and when I’m traveling and teaching for Aveda.

What makes me a great stylist/colorist:I’ve had every hair color known to man. I am a professional and a perfectionist. I don’t settle, and I’m always looking for ways to make your hair and experience better.

Best professional moment:Becoming an Aveda hair color Purefessional had been my dream since nearly my first days at Xiphium. Realizing that dream in 2011 was definitely one of my proudest moments.

Special training:I’ve taken numerous advanced cut, color and styling classes with Aveda. And I get updates seasonally with Aveda in Minneapolis, keeping me up to date on the season’s trends.

Professional goal:To continue to grow my knowledge helping me not only as an educator but also as a stylist behind the chair. I want my guests to know I will be able to help them change and grow through their hairstyles as they do through their lives.

What I want every client to know about me:I didn’t choose to be a hairstylist, it chose me. My life as a teenager revolved around my hair color and what it could be next. I bring that passion and excitement to my work to find the perfect look for them.

Other hobbies and talents:I love music, especially going to live concerts. I love to cook and getting ingredients for it at my local farmers market. I love reading about fashion, health, science, nature, sustainability…basically learning anything!

Where has my work been seen?Kansas City Fashion Week, local fashion shows, media publications, the walls of Xiphium.

What is your specialty?Hair color, blondes, bobs

Name a skill you have that you don’t use enough.Juggling 🙂

Have you ever styled/participated in any Fashion Shows?Kansas City Fashion Week 2013, West 18th Street Fashion Show summer 2013

What quote or mantra do you strive to live by?“Start each day with a grateful heart”. It’s easy to get caught up in busy lives, to-do lists and climbing the ladder but stopping and taking time to be grateful for an amazing workplace and coworkers, great career and great clients who I can share my passion with reminds me that I have everything I need already 🙂

Who is your dream client? Why?Jennifer Anniston because I need to see what all the fuss is about up close and personal! And anyone who is open to new ideas and change.

Who is your favorite person to follow on Twitter? Why?I don’t use twitter, but I love Instagram. I’m a very visual person so I love the pictures. I’m choosing two, Bryan Boy who is a fashion blogger who travels the world and Tunameltsmyheart which is a “so ugly he’s cute” dog who brings joy to my heart every day!

Describe the worst hair phase you’ve been through.When I thought black hair looked good on me, like three different times.

Who is your professional role model? Whose career would you like yours to emulate?Lisa Vann, she’s a wildly successful stylist who seems to have time to run a salon that she still works behind the chair at, do editorial work, develop products, travel and educate, and have a family. All while being the nicest person you know.

CHRISTINA RICEColor Director/Stylist/Color Specialist

DANI HAMMONDStylist

When did you start with Xiphium?June 2018.

Education:Mitsu Sato Hair Academy, August 2017–May 2018

Hometown/places I’ve livedKansas City!

Why I decided to become a stylist/coloristMy mom is a hairdresser, too. Growing up, watching her, along with doing hair and makeup for my dance team, I’ve always been interested in hairstyling as a profession.

My favorite thing about my workI love that I get to use my creative expression to take care of people. It’s a fun blend of two things I’ve always loved doing.

What makes me a great stylist/coloristI am very focused on the details of my work and have been told I’m very gentle and attentive.

Special training:Advanced training at Xiphium!

Other hobbies and talentsHenna and dance

Have you ever styled/participated in any fashion shows?Yes, Kansas City Fashion Week

DANI HAMMONDStylist

JACLYNN THOMSStylist

When did you start with Xiphium?January 2018.

Education:Aveda Institute, Des Moines

Hometown/ Places lived:I’m from Iowa 🙂

Why I decided to become a stylist/colorist:I want to make people feel truly appreciated. I think everyone has some sort of magic in them and I have the privilege of enhancing it.

What I want every client to know about me:I am here for you!! It is just an added bonus that I love doing what I do!

What is your specialty?I could honestly cut hair all day!! I love to see how little changes can make such a difference!

What quote or mantra do you strive to live by?
“The universe tends to give us what we need, when we need it. Maybe just not always when we want it.”

Who is your professional role model? Whose career woul dyou like yours to emulate?Not necessarily one, but many. I appreciate the rawness and honesty of your career path. It is the ones who are truly fulfilled with their passion that I want to emulate.

What is the most daring thing you have ever done?
Followed my dreams!!

JACLYNN THOMSStylist

JAIME HUNTOONSkin Care Specialist

When did you start with Xiphium?February 2008.

Education:Academy of Aesthetic Arts

Previous job(s):Family-owned jewelry store. It was the relationship-building aspect of working there that made me realize I wanted that in my career.

Hometown/Places lived:Council Bluffs, IA

Why I decided to become an esthetician: My love for connecting with people. Building a relationship and knowing I am in some small way impacting my guests on a daily basis.

My favorite thing about my work:Getting to see the same faces as well as meet new ones

What makes me a great esthetician:I am passionate about what I do. I want each guest to feel that passion.

Best professional moment:I can’t say that I have one particular instance that jumps to mind, but the warmth of energy that is felt when a guest is in a completely different place when they leave from when they arrived never gets old!

Professional goal:To continue to grow in knowledge as well as friendships

What I want every client to know about me:Their best interests are ALWAYS at heart. I value and take pride that they “choose” me.

Other hobbies and talents:Cooking, gardening, wine, walking my dog Roscoe, and watching ANY movie with Will Ferrell in it!

What is your specialty?Brows! They were what I feared the most out of skin school, but I LOVE how a customized shape can absolutely light-up someone’s face. It’s like a mini face-lift!

Have you ever donated your services or talents to a charitable organization? Any community activities/organizations that you’re regularly involved with? I love that I work for a salon that is BIG on community service. It may not be something I always do on my own, but love how much WE as a whole give back to our community.

What quote or mantra do you strive to live by? Make my Life Song sing!!

JAIME HUNTOONSkin Care Specialist

JAKE ROBSONAssociate Stylist

When did you start with Xiphium?July 2019.

Education:Sami Halaseh Institute.

Previous job(s):Sami Halaseh Salon

Hometown/Places lived:Rose Hill, KS

Why I decided to become a stylist:I’ve always been inspired by my aunt who is a stylist. I also love being able to make people happy and create art!

My favorite thing about my work:I love being part of a team and creating a positive environment for guests.

What makes me a great stylist:I’m a people pleaser and I strive to give the best experience to everyone who sits in my chair.

Best professional moment:Transforming a young girl’s hairstyle and seeing her confidence explode as she started 6th grade.

Describe the worst hair phase you’ve been through.I grew my hair out when I was younger and didn’t know how to take care of it so it became a mop on my head.

If you could choose another career, what would it be?Broadway actor.

Describe your favorite food.Anything Mexican!

What is your guiltiest pleasure?The Bachelor/Bachelorette.

Have you ever donated your service or talents to a charitable organization? Any community activities/organizations that you are regularly involved with?Yes! Back home, an organization held a back-to-school event for families who couldn’t afford everything needed for the school year. They had free pairs of shoes, eye exams, school supplies and backpacks, and offered free haircuts for all the kids who came. It was such a fun experience seeing all the kids’ faces light up after their cuts were done.

Why I decided to become a Xiphium guest service team member:I love helping and educating our guests about our products and services.

My favorite thing about my work:My favorite thing about what I do is celebrating little “victories” everyday, whether it’s making a guest’s day better or making the team’s day better. I also love giving our guests a finishing makeup touchup at the end of their service. It’s always fun to try out a new lip gloss shade or any makeup color after receiving a new haircut or color. Ask me and I would love to help!

What makes me a great guest service team member:I am a self-starter. I strive to get little projects done daily to make the front desk run more efficiently. I recently became an Ambassador for Aveda. This role helps to further my continued education and love for Aveda products and to share the information with my team members and our guests.

Best professional moment:When guests have told me that I am good at my job. That always makes me feel great and motivates me to do even better!

What I want every client to know about me:I am a mom to two boys, Jack and Zachary. I stay home with them during the day and work here at Xiphium most weeknights and Saturdays.

Other hobbies and talents:I have a strong passion for yoga and pilates. I love that they challenge the mind and body, and how great I feel afterwards. I also love being out in nature, reading, binge-watching a good show, singing and dancing!

What quote or mantra do you strive to live by?“Enjoy the little things in life… for one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.”-Robert Brault

Describe the worst hair phase you’ve been through.In 7th grade, I got a hideous perm because I wanted to add more volume to my fine hair. Even my bangs were permed! So ugly!!!

Hometown/Places lived:Hometown Topeka, KS. Lived in Harveyville, KS for 2 years during high school then back to Topeka before moving to Kansas City in May 2015.

Why I decided to become a stylist:My mom did hair when I was growing up so it was always around and in my mind. I went to school for a couple of other things but eventually decided doing hair is what I wanted. I love to make people feel great and give them new confidence.

My favorite thing about my work:Making people smile and hair color. I love to do color!

What is your specialty? Color. Anything from natural highlights to fun fashion colors. I love it all!

What is your guiltiest pleasure? Reality TV. I can’t even elaborate because I feel so guilty about it!! 🙂

If you could choose another career, what would it be?
Interior Design. I love decorating a new house! Getting it all put together just the way I like it always makes me feel great and really makes it feel like home. I love choosing paint colors and decor. Doing that for someone else sounds like fun too!

Who is your dream client?Jessica Biel. I have always loved her hair and I’d love to see it up close and personal. She also seems like a really cool person so I would love to talk to her about life, love, and babies! 🙂

If you were going to be on a reality show, which would you choose?Big Brother. A few years ago, they came to Washburn University in Topeka to do auditions. I filled out all of the forms, which was basically my whole life history and was set on submitting it, but chickened out. I don’t think they would have picked me anyway, but I have always regretted not trying. I am not even sure that I would be good at the competitions, but the concept has always intrigued me.

Describe the worst hair phase you have been through.I had a perm once…It was awful!! Frizzy and hard to manage. I also had a haircut that was super short and layered up the back when I was younger. It was before flat irons and I have natural wave in my hair. I hated that my hair was curly in the back. Now that I know how to style my hair it would probably be really cute!

What is the most daring thing you have ever done?I am not that adventurous. I am a scaredy cat when it comes to that stuff although on my honeymoon, my husband and I zip-lined through a forest. The zip lines were no joke. Some of them went straight down and some of the longer zip lines broke through the trees and the views of the ocean were awesome. I was terrified, but it was so worth it!!

What quote or mantra do you strive to live by?Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…it’s about learning to dance in the rain”. I really try to make the best of every situation. Life isn’t always easy, but I try to learn from every situation and become a better person because of it.

MEGAN CLEVENGERStylist

MIKE KAUFMANStylist

When did you start with Xiphium?June 2010.

Education:Paul Mitchell School/Arrojo/American Crew/Aveda

Awards won: Does best dressed count?

Hometown/Places lived:Kansas City, MO

My favorite thing about my work:Connecting with diverse people on a daily basis.

Other hobbies and talents:Random things from Archery to Zig zag stitching.

What is your specialty?Men’s cutting.

What quote or mantra do you strive to live by?Keep evolving.

Describe the worst hair phase you’ve been through.Once upon a time I had a perm.

MIKE KAUFMANStylist

NATHALIA GONZALEZStylist

When did you start with Xiphium?December 2019.

Education:Paul Mitchell The School

Previous job(s):Regis Salon, Plaza Salon

Hometown/Places lived:Danbury, CT

Why I decided to become a stylist:I’ve always had a passion for hair.

My favorite thing about my work:Getting creative and doing what I love.

What makes me a great stylist:I’m detail-oriented.

Professional goal:To continue to grow in my craft.

What I want every client to know about me:I love life.

Other hobbies and talents:Hiking, camping and playing music.

Where has your work been seen?On the heads of many happy people. 🙂

Name a skill you have that you don’t use enough.Language.

Have you ever styled/participated in any Fashion Shows?Westconn student fashion show.

What quote or mantra do you strive to live by?Wisdom is the most important thing, so acquire wisdom, and with all you acquire, acquire understanding.

If you could choose another career, what would it be?Nursing.

Describe your favorite food.Brazilian.

NATHALIA GONZALEZStylist

SAMUEL ZORNStylist, In-House Cutting Educator

When did you start with Xiphium?July 2007.

Previous job(s):Stylist, Salon H, El Dorado

Hometown/Places lived:Born in Hoisington, KS, moved to the Wichita area in high school, moved to Kansas City in 2007

Why I decided to become a stylist:I have always been fascinated with all areas of the beauty industry. It took some time and other jobs to realize that doing hair was my career, despite having cut family and friends hair prior to training.

My favorite thing about my work:Building relationships, being creative and artistic, working in a beautiful space, and having the ability to improve self image.

What makes me a great stylist:I’m creative, artistic, genuine, hard working, I love learning and I love people.

Best professional moment:As a stylist I love to help guests see the best version of themselves, as a mentor I love helping new stylists realize their potential.

Special training:Many local and regional classes with Aveda and many other lines. Educator bootcamp and training in Minneapolis for Aveda, Aveda Advanced Academy in New York and Los Angeles, Red Chocolate and Color Magic.

Professional goal:To continue to learn and expand all facets of my craft while focusing on the needs of the individuals that sit in my chair.

What I want every client to know about me:I wish you a Happy Hair Day!

Other hobbies and talents:I enjoy home improvement and gardening. I love working out, yoga, and running. I occasionally sing with the Heartland Men’s chorus.

What is your specialty?I have focused on cutting but truly love all things hair.

Name a skill you have that you don’t use enough.Singing.

What quote or mantra do you strive to live by?Give, Live, Love

Describe the worst hair phase you’ve been through.My hair can be puffy, as a kid it was usually very puffy. I once shaved lines in the side and that grew out very strange.

What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?I plead the 5th.

SAMUEL ZORNStylist, In-House Cutting Educator

VILMA SUBELOwner/Stylist

When did you start with Xiphium?My husband Tom and I opened Xiphium Fall of 1996.

Education:IBA College of Cosmetology. I’ve had the opportunity to train under many masters in our industry including the founder of Aveda, Horst Rechelbacher; educators at the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Toronto; Toni and Guy in Long Beach, CA; and many great educators at The Aveda Institute in London.

Previous job(s):Before opening Xiphium, I worked at other Aveda Salons in Milwaukee and Kansas City as well as traveling as an educator for Aveda.

Awards won:We earned the recognition of Salon Today’s top 200 salons in 2000, I’ve received awards for my 10 years of volunteering with the American Cancer Society’s program, Look Good Feel Better, 2nd place in the 7 state region for raising the most money for Aveda’s Earth Month in 2013.

Hometown/Places lived:Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. Moved to Overland Park, KS in 1987.

Why I decided to become a stylist:I’ve always loved working with varied forms of art work. Hair became my media of choice. I love sculpting shapes and creating texture to form a silhouette to compliment my guest’s features and personality.

My favorite thing about my work:My artwork is done on a 3-dimensional being! My artwork lives and breathes. The look of approval and joy in my guest’s eyes as they look in the mirror is my reward.

What makes me a great stylist?I help my guests discover what works to express “their story”. No two people are alike so, my job is to customize for each one whether we’re inspired by a trend or a how one feels at a moment in their lives.

Best professional moment: The opportunity to be on stage for Aveda Congress Festival in 1995 and opening Xiphium a year later.

Special training:Hair cut design training in London four different times. So Inspiring! Love that city!!

Professional goal:To have a strong technical and artistic team who are sincere and compassionate. Authentic customer service is a strong part of our work ethic.

What I want every client to know about me:I become quiet/Zen like while cutting hair. I like to focus on every nuance of how the hair moves while I’m working with it. So, please don’t think I’m unsocial. I’m a 4th Degree Reiki Practitioner as well as a Certified Embeautyment Practioner. I just love my craft!

Other hobbies and talents:Cooking, making jewelry and listening to live music with my husband. Photography is another passion.

Where has my work been seen?Hair shows, industry magazines and social media, local and national magazines, Kansas City Fashion Week and classes that I’ve taught around the country.

What is your specialty?Haircutting and creating texture/curls.

Name a skill you have that you don’t use enough:Perming hair but, we’ve seen resurgence with curl and texture in the fashion world which has helped to re-introduce perms again!!!

Have you ever donated your services or talents to a charitable organization? Any community activities/organizations that you’re regularly involved with?Look Good Feel Better, Shear Madness, a fundraiser for cancer research, Aveda Earth Month, Local Animal Shelters, Local Food Pantries, we buy gifts for a family every Christmas and we donate to many organizations throughout our community.

What quote or mantra do you strive to live by?I wear this quote from Michelangelo on my left arm: “I saw the Angel in the marble and carved until I set her free”. This quote has a two-fold meaning for me. I strive to see the good in everyone I meet and as a hair sculptor, I carve until the shape that I want to see emerges.

VILMA SUBELOwner/Stylist

OUR POLICIES

Cancellations: In order for us to spend quality time with you to achieve your goals in how you look and feel, we ask for the same respect for our time and our other clients on our cancellation list. So if you are unable to keep your appointment, we ask for a 24-hour notice, otherwise you will be charged $30/hour for the time that was reserved for you.

Children: We ask that children not be brought to the salon unless he or she has an appointment scheduled. This policy is meant to provide safety for the child, as well as to minimize the distraction of our other clients.

Gratuities: Because it is our pleasure to serve you, we do not accept gratuities.

OUR POLICIES

Cancellations: In order for us to spend quality time with you to achieve your goals in how you look and feel, we ask for the same respect for our time and our other clients on our cancellation list. So if you are unable to keep your appointment, we ask for a 24-hour notice, otherwise you will be charged $30/hour for the time that was reserved for you.

Children: We ask that children not be brought to the salon unless he or she has an appointment scheduled. This policy is meant to provide safety for the child, as well as to minimize the distraction of our other clients.